Stella MacCartney's 2003 wedding to Alasdhair Willis at Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute quickly put the place on the world map. The island lies in the Firth of Clyde west of the resort of Largs on the mainland. Only the waterways of the Kyles of Bute buffer its northern end from the firm grip between thumb and forefinger of the Cowal peninsula.

The island lies across the Highland Boundary Fault noticeable at Loch Fad that almost bisects the island. It is low lying in the south, rising to hills in the north and including the little island of Inchmarnock off its west coast.

The main town is Rothesay on the east side. Rothesay Castle is one of the best surviving medieval castles in Scotland and was replaced, as the seat of the Marquises of Bute by the beautiful Mount Stuart. This is also on the east coast, south of Rothesay and both house and gardens are open to the public. Check our Hotel and Accommodation directory to find your Accommodation in Rothesay and the Island of Bute.



Outside Rothesay, an elegant traditional resort, the island is largely rural with unspoiled countryside and sheltered bays. The most idyllic place is arguably the ruins of St Blane’s Chapel in the south, tranquil, remote and timeless.